Petition · Department for Education

Give teachers time off to attend their own children’s school events

Rejected 9 signatures

What the petition asks

Give teachers a formal option to attend their own children’s school events during school hours. Even a few hours per year, paid or unpaid, would ensure all teachers can participate in assemblies, sports days, and performances, regardless of individual school policies
Teachers currently have no formal way to attend their own children’s school events during school hours, unlike other employees who can use leave. This creates inequality, affects wellbeing, and forces parents to miss key milestones. A formal option, even limited or unpaid, would ensure fairness, support teacher morale, and allow teachers to participate in their children’s lives.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

Annual leave policies are a matter for the individual school, and is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

Timeline

26 Jan 2026 Petition opened for signatures
3 Mar 2026 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 9
Status Rejected
Department Department for Education
Rejected 3 Mar 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 31 Aug 2026.